Problem 2.63 For the Wheatstone bridge circuit of Fig.

2-30, solve the following

problems:
(a) If R1 = 1 , R2 = 2 , and Rx = 3 , to what value should R3 be adjusted so
as to achieve a balanced condition?
(b) If V0 = 6 V, Ra = 0.1 , and Rx were then to deviate by a small amount to
Rx = 3.01 , what would be the reading on the ammeter?
Solution:
(a) From Eq. (2.45),
Rx
R3
=
,
R1 R2

R1 Rx 1 3
=
= 1.5 .
R2
2

R3 =

(b)
V0
I1

I2

R1

V0

R2
Ra

Ia

V1

V2
I3

I4

R3
Rx

KCL equations at nodes V1 and V2 are

I1 = I3 + Ia
I4 = I2 + Ia
KVL for the left loop and outside perimeter loop are
V0 + I1 R1 + I3 R3 = 0,
V0 + I2 R2 + I4 Rx = 0.
Also, for the upper triangle of the bridge,
I1 R1 + Ia Ra I2 R2 = 0.
Simultaneous solution of the five equations leads to
Ia =

(R3 R2 Rx R1 )V0
.
R2 Rx (R1 + R3 ) + (R2 + Rx )[R1 R3 + Ra (R1 + R3 )]

For R1 = 1 , R2 = 2 , R3 = 1.5 , Rx = 3.01 , and V0 = 6 V,

Ia = 2.5 mA.

c
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